Radio Digest (May 1931-May 1932)

65 EAUTY and the Deast By Maybelle Austen PETER GRIMM once wrote a fascinating tale about a beautiful princess who was kidnapped by a horrible beast, and kept imprisoned in a lonely castle-tower until he, through some storybook miracle, shed his unlovely appearance and became a very handsome and desirable prince. Then in true fairytale fashion, they loved, married, and lived happily ever after. Radio, the magic carpet, the Aladdin's lamp, the miracle-maker, the greatest genie of all times, brings Grimm's "Beauty and the Beast" up-to-date, with Station WLWL as its medium. The beautiful princess is Mimi Shelton, who fits the descriptive qualifications in a very satisfactory manner ; and Harry Tighe, a jovial and genial giant, is the beast, although he belies the delineation created in the mind's eye by generations of folklore exponents. The entertainment that this unique team will provide via the ether, is different and diverting. Years of experience on the stage and screen have given them an insight into the amusement demands of an intelligent and over-satiated public. They will bring to the airwaves a new idea, an unusually fine type of versatility, with just enough of the human touch, that it will appeal to one and all of the tremendous radio audience this country affords, who by one flip of the dial can make a performer's fortune, or cast him into an infinite abyss of oblivion. Harry Tighe and Mimi Shelton new act WLWL, n. y. J.HESE two people have had very interesting and active lives, but their careers have been as opposite to one another as the appearances of Beauty and the Beast must have been. While the one had terrible and constant struggle with unforseen and heartbreaking circumstances, the other one rode always on to higher and instantaneous successes. It remained for the eighth wonder of the world, that gigantic rolx)t, Radio, to reach out with electrical fingers and bring them together on a common ground, where they joined forces preparatory to attacking a new field of action. A resume of the experiences of Mimi and Harry, presented in truly modern style, would read like this : Mimi was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Harry was born in New Haven, Connecticut. Mimi is a grandniece of the great diva, Lilli Lehmann. Harry's family were American pioneers, of Irish origin. Mimi sang solo parts as a six-year-old with a choir of eighty-six. Harry learned piano technique under duress. Mimi taught German to other children to help along the family exchequer. Harry played Varsity football at Yale. Mimi meanwhile became a cripple through a faulty operation. Harry was discharged from college for some youthful escapade. Mimi attended C h i c a g o University, graduated, received the degree M.A. Harry entered Wall Street, left, and took a job playing piano. Mimi, at nineteen, through stretching exercises and medical attention, pronounced normal. Harry's fust stage engagement was witli Virginia Kurle, musical star. Mimi while studying dramatic art at McLean College, was discovered by LeGalliene. Harry was pronounced a find by Weber and Fields, and joined their famous comedy act. Mimi appeared first in "Three Sisters" and then in "Twelfth Night." Harry proved a sensation at the La Salle Theatre in Chicago. Mimi came to Broadway with "Cradle Song," "The Miracle," and "Saturday Night." Harry was starred by an enthusiastic Belasco. M IMI went with a show called "Remote Control." Harry joined Ziegteld in "Smiles" and then went with "Follow Thru." Mimi was and is supporting a brother through Purdue University. Harry was in pictures, both as a director and as an actor. Mimi was brought to Harry's attention by Irvin Berlin. Lo ! a new team is born and named "Beauty and the Beast." The act started rehearsals for radio work, and reports ot their activities were brought to the attention of the director of Radio Digest television broadcasts, who in turn brought them to the attention of WLWL. where they received an audition. Result : They're simply great ! They're on ! Listen in for them everybody !